Magnetic weight system

ABSTRACT

System and methods are disclosed which include exercise equipment with magnetic portions. The magnetic portions may be incorporated into equipment or into additional weights for use with the equipment. The presence of the magnetic portion allows a user to change weights during exercise in a quick, easy, convenience, and safe manner.

BACKGROUND

Exercises using weights are used for rehabilitation, physical therapy, strength training, body sculpting, or to achieve other fitness goals. Systems exist that provide sets of exercise weights with different values or with additional weight plates to allow adjustment of the amount of weight a user lifts during exercise. For example, a weight lifting dumbbell set includes dumbbells fabricated in various sizes, such as 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25 lbs.

In other systems, such as a barbell system, a bar is fitted with weight plates at either end. The plates are held in place with a clip or collar. By adding or subtracting these plates, the overall weight of the barbell is adjusted. Typically, the weight plates have preset values such as 5, 10, 25, and 45 lbs. plates. Therefore, to create a barbell at a weight of 145 lbs., a 45-lb. plate and a 5-lb. plate are added to each end of the bar (e.g. 45-lb bar) to reach 145 lbs. Other systems, for example a dumbbell weight sets, includes multiples dumbbells, each at a different weight. To increase weights, the user simply selects the next size up which weighs more. The same is true for kettlebell sets.

These systems include certain limitations including lack of granular adjustment of weights, and inconvenient, difficult, or time-consuming processes for changing weights. Moreover, with fixed-weight dumbbells and kettlebells in gyms and exercise facilities, multiple units of each weight are required to allow multiple people to exercise simultaneously. Therefore, a need exists for a system with adjustable weights and a quick, convenient, easy-to-use, and safe procedure for adjusting the weights in any desired increment quickly.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an efficient, fast, easy, and cost effective system and method for utilizing weights for exercise, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and other fitness activities. The system and method include at least one exercise implement having a surface with magnetic properties. The magnetic portion is configured to couple to one or more additional weights. Multiple ones of said weights may be used with ease. And many different types of exercise equipment may be configured according to the present system and method, including barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, and traditional weights.

The system may be configured in a variety of ways to customize and optimize it for a particular use. The range of additional weights may be large or small for different applications. The magnetic portion may be configured differently for heavier weights than for lighter ones.

Different types of equipment may be used in one system. For example one system may include barbells, kettlebell, and dumbbells with a set of one or more additional weights that couples to each and all of the equipment. The shape and sizes of the equipment and the weights may be customize in any manner taught herein. Moreover, the system may be configured for aesthetic appeal or marketing purposes as well allowing a user to customize the equipment or weights with their own graffiti.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a weight plate.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a weight plate.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a weight plate.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a weight plate.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the magnetic portion as depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2B is a side view of the magnetic portion as depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A is a top view of the plate as depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3B is a side view of the plate as depicted in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dumbbell incorporating the present teachings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a kettlebell incorporating the present teachings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a barbell incorporating the present teachings.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of dumbbell.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A with an additional weight plate.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of kettlebell.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A with an additional weight plate.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another embodiment of barbell.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A with additional weight plates.

FIG. 10A is a top view of another embodiment of a plate with a recess.

FIG. 10B is a side view of the plate shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a bottom view of the plate shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a side cutaway section of the plate of FIG. 10A showing the recess within.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings of this disclosure. It should be noted, however, that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have been described at a relatively high level. In those instances, the disclosure provides sufficient detail to describe and enable it to a person of ordinary skill, but avoids providing so much detail as to obscure aspects of the invention.

Figure (FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of magnetic weight of the present system. Plate body 2 is coupled to a magnetic portion 1. The coupling can be with any method suitable to reliably retain the magnitude of intended weight. In one example, the portion 1 may be coupled to plate body 2 by a bonding process. Example of bonding processes include soldering, welding, diffusion bonding, S-bonding, and the like. In another embodiment, it may be couple using an adhesive. A few examples of commercially available adhesives include acrylic adhesives and epoxies.

The coupling may also be created with hardware or fasteners, including ones that are embedded between the mating surfaces of plate body 2 and portion 1, or countersunk fasteners which attach plate body 2 to portion 1. Alternatively, plate body 2 and portion may be coupled by an external frame that encircles the outer perimeter and maintains a tight connection between the plate and the magnetic portion. Alternatively, the portion 1 may be embedded into a surface of plate body 2. Alternatively, the plate body and the magnetic portion may be fused or welded together.

In another embodiment, the plate and the magnetic portion may be made as one piece by a variety of methods including casting, potting and machining. Alternatively, the plate and the magnetic portion may be fabricated as a single piece from the substance of the plate body. The monolith may be treated at one end, electrically, chemically, or mechanically, to create magnetic properties in the end portion of the body to integrally form magnetic portion 1.

In yet another embodiment, the weight plate can be constructed using an electromagnet. Portion 1 may be configured as an electromagnet and coupled to body 2. A battery pack or batteries may be embedded in body 2 and used to power the electromagnet to generate a sufficient magnetic field to reliably retain the weight. The battery pack may include a rechargeable battery. It may be removable, for charging, or it may be fixed, such that when the plate is placed on a charging pad or a charging station, the battery is charged wirelessly (or with a wired connection). Alternatively, the electromagnet itself may be configured for a wired connection to a power source, A/C or D/C—for example a regular electrical outlet or other power outlets. While a wired connection may seem more limiting, it may provide a stronger electromagnetism for very heavy weights without the need for a heavy batter (e.g. for power-lifting applications). In some embodiments, the power source may be configured within the electromagnet itself or within another portion of a weight system.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the magnetic portion 1 is approximately coextensive with one end of the plate body 2. FIG. 2A shows the top view of the magnetic portion of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2B shows a side view of the magnetic portion. FIG. 3A is a top view of the plate body 2. FIG. 3B is a side view of the plate body.

FIGS. 1A through 1C show some alternative configurations where the reference numbers 1′, 1″, 1′″ refer to the alternative embodiments for the magnetic portion, respectively. In FIG. 1A, the magnetic portion 1′ is smaller in area than the end of the plate body. In 1B, the magnetic portion 1″ comprises multiple smaller portions. In FIG. 1C, the magnetic portion 1′″ is mounted within a recess portion. The recess portion creates a space around the magnetic portion which provides a gripping area for the user. That is, in FIG. 1C, a circular trench 7 is provided on the end face of the plate body 2 which allows the user to grip the plate more easily, either when pinching the plate at the edge or gripping the plate at the end.

In the illustrations, the plate is shown as a disc with a circular cross section. But weights and plates may be formulated in any suitable shape and the present teachings apply equally to other shapes. The illustrations also depict the magnetic portion with a circular cross section. But other shapes are contemplated as well. For example, it may be rectangular or in other polygonal shapes. It may be spiral in shape or comprise parallel or intersecting lines, like a grid, or it may be checkered. These are a few examples of alternative shapes, but the invention is not limited so. Moreover, where the magnetic portion is installed inside a recessed portion, the shape of the recess may be varied to achieve custom designs, including improved aesthetics or ease of handling. The disclosed features may be incorporated into weight plates used in conjunction with traditional exercise equipment, such as the weight plates used on a barbell, or they may be incorporated into portion of the exercise equipment such as on the ends of dumbbells.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a dumbbell incorporating ends similar to the plate FIG. 1 . As is evident, the barbell of FIG. 4 may incorporate any of the embodiments of the plates at either end, and may include different types of plates at each end. Moreover, the dumbbell may be made any size, shape, or weight. At one end, the plate body 2, as shown, includes an attachment surface 5 which includes that magnetic portion 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the plate on the other end of the dumbbell is identical and includes attachment surface 6.

FIG. 5 depicts a kettlebell 8 incorporating the magnetic portion 1. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic portion is shown at the flat end of the kettlebell and terminating in the attachment surface 10. Alternatively, the magnetic portion may be incorporated into another portion of the surface of the kettlebell, for example near the handle 9.

FIG. 6 depicts a barbell incorporating the present teachings. Each of the plates 12 may incorporate a magnetic portion. Alternatively, the magnetic portion may be incorporated into the ends of bar 11 creating attachment surfaces 13.

In operation, each of the exercise implements such as the barbell, dumbbell, or kettlebell, may be fabricated to incorporate a magnetic portion. Additional weights which are configured for attachment to the magnetic portion may be supplied as a part of the weight system. When a user intends to change the weight used during exercise, they can quickly and easily select a desired additional weight and bring it into contact with the attachment surface. Due to the magnetic properties, the weight will securely couple with the surface and provide a safe, secure, and speedy procedure for varying the weight. Moreover, the additional weights may be configured in small increments making it possible to adjust the weight of an implement by a small amount.

In the equipment as shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the magnetic portion may be incorporated into the equipment. In an alternative system, the magnetic system may be incorporated into only the plates or additional weights (which are added to the weight equipment). Moreover, to further simplify and increase the utility of the system, the additional weights may be standardized to work with any of the implements as shown in FIGS. 4-6 .

In FIG. 7A, a dumbbell similar to that shown in FIG. 4 is depicted. In the embodiment of FIG. 7A, the additional weights may be fabricated in the shape of plates which attach to the attachment surface 6 of the dumbbell 16. In FIG. 7B, two such weight plates, 15 and 15′ are coupled to the dumbbell. The weights 15 and 15′ as depicted are smaller than the area of end surface of the dumbbell and are circular in cross section. Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments, the plates may be the same size, coupled in a recess, be in other shapes and sizes, or include any of the alternatives and variations as described above. The plates may be made in small or large weights, including any desired increment, including 0.25 lbs., 0.5 lbs., 1 lbs., etc., or in custom increments. Moreover, using different substances with different densities or specific weights, the plates or weights may be made thinner or thicker, as well as larger or more compact. For example, by using a substances with a high specific weight, such as steel, the same weight may be achieved in a slender formfactor. Therefore, the relative proportions depicted in the figures may not be a correct indication of the relative sizes or thicknesses.

Moreover, the magnetic material may be embedded in a surface of the plate body for more secure coupling. FIGS. 10A through 10C show top, side, and bottom views of plate body 2′ with magnetic portion 1″″ coupled within a recess 7′. The recess 7′ is within the end of the plate body 2′ as shown by the side cutaway view of FIG. 10D. With this configuration, a weight plate can mount at the end of a barbell or dumbbell with a mating configuration. The entire end of the barbell or dumbbell may fit into the recess area and couple with the magnetic portion, or a mating protruding end, such as the end 13 as shown in FIG. 6 , may fit into the recess and connect the weight plate to the exercise implement. Naturally, when using a recess and protrusion mating surface, the protruding parts can be located on either of the mating surfaces with the corresponding recessed on the other of the mating surfaces.

The weight system as described may incorporate several identical weight plates 15. The user then selects the desired number of weight plates to add to the exercise equipment to reach the desired weight. Alternatively, a set of weight plates may be fabricated with different preset weights. In either case, by making a system of implements which are all configured to receive the same additional weights, a gym or other public facility may provide exercise equipment without having to purchase many duplicative sets.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an example of a kettlebell which is configured to work with the same weight plates 15 and 15′ as did dumbbell 16 in FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a barbell coupled to the same weight plates 15 and 15′. In the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B, the weight plates are attached to the ends of the bar. Alternative, or in addition, weight plates with a central opening, which are configured to slide over the ends and couple with the weight plates 12, are also contemplated. In one system, smaller weights are configured for attachment to the end of the bar (similar to end 13 in FIG. 6 ) and larger denominations of weights are configured as plates to couple with the plates 12. When plates 12 are magnetic, the need for a clip or collar is obviated (even though they may still be used).

The magnets used for the magnetic portion are selected to provide the desired retention force. The plate body 2 may be manufactured from round steel bars or cast iron. Alternatively, they may be manufactured from other metals, ceramics, or other material which has the desired specific weight or density. The weight information may be marked or embossed into any surface of the plates. Additional information including instructions for use, branding, or identification of intellectual property may also be marked or embossed into the weight plates. Surface ornamentation or advertising information may also be incorporated. The plates or the exercise equipment may be painted or coated for aesthetic or functional purposes. For example, the plates or equipment may be covered with a rubberized coating for safer handling. Or they may be covered with a customizable coating which allows the user to write or draw on the coating to customize their equipment with their own graffiti.

The magnetic portion may be made from a variety of permanent magnet types, some which include Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), Samarium Cobalt (SmCo), Ceramic, Ferrite, Alnico magnets, and the like. Alternatively, the magnetic portion maybe constructed using electromagnets.

The present teachings can be implemented in several different ways as taught by the details discussed in the specification. The features of one embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments, some of which are discussed by way of examples above. Moreover, the present teachings may be utilized in a single exercise implement or in conjunction with an exercise system or a set of implements.

Modifications and variations will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of these teachings. Such modifications or variations are contemplated by the applicant and the teachings herein are intended as explanations to illuminate the present teachings and not as limiting examples. The breadth and scope of the claims are not to be limited by the particulars set forth in the specific embodiments described. 

We claim:
 1. A system of weight for exercise comprising: a. at least one exercise implement having a surface b. a magnetic portion coupled to at least a portion of said surface wherein said magnetic portion is additionally configured to couple to at least one additional weight as a result of its magnetism.
 2. A system according to claim 1 further comprising multiple ones of said additional weights.
 3. A system according to claim 2 wherein said multiple ones of said additional weights are identical in weight and in appearance.
 4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the exercise implement includes at least one of a barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, or weight plate.
 5. A system according to claim 1 including at least two of said exercise implement selected from the group of barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, and weight plate.
 6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the magnetic portion of each of said at least two exercise implements is configured to couple to a same one of an at least one additional weight as a result of its magnetism.
 7. A system according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the system is covered with a coating.
 8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said coating is configured to be painted or drawn upon by a user.
 9. A system of weight for rehabilitation comprising: a. at least one exercise implement having a surface b. a magnetic portion coupled to at least a portion of said surface wherein said magnetic portion is configured to couple to at least one additional weight as a result of its magnetism.
 10. A system according to claim 9 further comprising multiple ones of said additional weights.
 11. A system according to claim 10 wherein said multiple ones of said additional weights are identical in weight in appearance.
 12. A system according to claim 9 wherein the exercise implement includes at least one of a barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, and weight plate.
 13. A system according to claim 9 including at least two of said exercise implement selected from the group of barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, and weight plate.
 14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the magnetic portion of each of said at least two exercise implements is configured to couple to a same one of an at least one additional weight as a result of its magnetism.
 15. A system according to claim 9 wherein the at least a portion of the system is covered with a coating on which a user may paint or draw.
 16. A method of making weights for exercise comprising: providing at least one exercise implement having a surface; causing at least a portion of said surface to include a magnetic portion; wherein said magnetic portion is additionally configured to couple to at least one additional weight as a result of its magnetism.
 17. A method according to claim 16 where the step of causing includes the step of coupling the magnetic portion to said surface.
 18. A method according to claim 16 where the step of causing includes the step of magnetizing said portion
 19. A method according to claim 16 where the step of causing includes the step of providing an electromagnetic.
 20. A method according to claim 16 where the step of causing includes the step of forming. 